Government has finally agreed to support the handloom and handicraft industry of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Mehbooba Mufti, Jammu & Kashmir chief minister has guaranteed to work for the betterment and growth of the sector to Nizamududdin Bhat, Vice Chairman, Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporations (HHDC).

The handloom and handicraft industry has faced a lot of Hurdles like 2014 floods, 2016 unrest followed by demonetization and implementation of GST in July this year have hit hard to those who are associated with it. Despite all odds, handicraft exports from Jammu & Kashmir has increased by 8.6 per year-on-year to Rs. 1,151.12 crores in 2016-17 from Rs. 1,059.41 crores in 2015-16.

Bhat requests the CM to announce special schemes to support the artisan community and attract the youth towards the industry. The organisation is planning some incentives at its level to help the artisans. This kind of support will not only support them but will also promote the traditional craft in the state, he added.

The State is a home to around 2.50 lakh artisans who are directly dependent on the handicraft sector for their livelihood. The sector has a great potential for more employment if proper attention is paid to its expansion and promotion to increase the demand. The sector earns around Rs. 1,700 crores in foreign exchange every year, according to the Directorate of Handicrafts.